What is our Plimsoll line or Load line for Safe Living?

“What is our Plimsoll line or Load line for Safe Living?”

            Gary Inrig uses navigational principles of the North Star as

well as scripture prayer and the conscience to reflect upon how and what we see and need as God’s ways of living. But at some point in our lives we will wonder to what extent are we to pursue secular matters that is, what is our limit? That is how will we arrive safely at our destination unless we understand God’s Plimsoll line? Just what is our load limit as we sail along in our daily living?

            How content are we when we live a society that is built on chronic and compulsive consumerism. The issues of contentment, covetousness, character are among the most pressing we confront as we seek to navigate our culture. Why is it that we are unsure of who we are and the direction in which we sail even though Christ has called us to follow him? What is really calling to us is from this world. This call is in:

Covetousness- wanting what others posses; money is base but so are things and our society says you want/ need more! But covetousness corrupts our view of God’s truth, contaminates our values and capsizes our lives.(I Timothy 6:3-9)

Contentment or authentic spirituality which is an inner attitude of reverence and respect that is expressed in outward acts It is having security in God.

Character—Paul directs Timothy from covetousness toward contentment by having him pursue godly character. Pursue—this is over and in time but are we really willing to invest this time; that is to pursue what God has in store for us as we learn and grow spiritually?.(I Timothy 4:7-8)

Just what is the load limit that we may carry in order to prevent dangerous overloading with things. When is too much even way more than enough? And how do we change this attitude, this way of living, and this life of possessiveness? 

Inrig suggests:  1) develop a lifestyle of limits, not luxury

2) Cultivate generosity, not greed 3) Emphasize personal wroth rather than net worth and 4) Invest in the eternal, not just the temporal

And to follow up on these suggestions remember that you are not alone as you do this; God is with you; Christ leads you and you are led by the Spirit.

            REFLECTION:  Read Inrig’s suggestions to help understand our load limits as we sail along this life. Do you find any of these suggestions is more difficult than the rest to understand and implement in your life? How do you respond to the rest? What does a load limit mean for you as you pursue faith development and personal growth in your work and with family? How important is it to say when enough is enough?

PRAYER

Gracious God you enable us to do many things but we often do not know when enough is too much. Help us to realize that you will not give us too much to do alone. You are always with us as we discern your gift of love in Jesus. Be with us we pray. Amen.

This reflection is based upon some ideas offered by Gary Inrig in his book, True North: Discovering God’s Way in a Changing World,  Discovery House Publishers, 2002; ch.6